San Diego First-Timer Seeking to Redevelop Property

[Jack Fernandes]

Hi all, and thanks for reading.

My folks own a home in Point Loma, San Diego that I live in. We also own the home directly next door that is rented to a tenant. I'm seeking advice, business partners, or advisors to help me figure out how to make the most out of all of this unused land between the two homes. 

In the short term:

• I'd like to tear down my garage in the property I live in, as it is unused and sitting on a large car port with a few thousand sqft of undeveloped land. 
• Not only is it an eye sore, it is an inefficient use of good land that I envision as a granny flats or multiunit (don't know the zoning)
• Does anyone have any insight on how this is done? Has anyone torn down a garage and/or converted it to a multiunit or granny flats for tenancy? 

Longer Term:

• Behind the two residences, we own a large combined undeveloped canyon. 
• This is alot of land for Point Loma, but it's literally a canyon. It would need to be cleaned and leveled, but I think a developer would see dollar signs (I see the opportunity to help the community with affordable housing in a good area)
• Does anyone have experience with something similar? What do you think are my best options here? Do I try and get plans approved with the city and then sell the land along with the front residence? 
• Is this a feasible undertaking for myself? In other words, can I just dive in, try to line up financing, make sure the property is zoned for multiunit, and then build on it? 
• What I'm Seeking:
• I am a young lawyer with a goal of building a portfolio of apartment complexes. This could be my first foray. 
• I'm a quick learner but am hoping to hear from some veterans who have had experience here, to guide/advise, and partner up if it makes sense. 

[Colin L.]

You can check the zoning of the property a couple of ways, including San Diego's website:

http://apps3.sandiego.gov/siteinfoweb/begin.do

which will give you the base zoning.  RS zones are single family zones, and RM zones are multi-family.  For overlay zones I often look at this site:

https://scoutred.com/

Overlays are important especially since your lot is in Point Loma so there is a good chance you are in the Coastal Zone, and the canyons are often considered "environmentally sensitive" land, both types of overlays often require additional processes for permitting your project.  You can also call San Diego Development Services for zoning info and questions.  I can't post the # but it's on their contact page.